Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed that the outstanding entitlements of workers disengaged from the state civil service in 2011 and 2012 be calculated and paid, rather than recalling them to service.
The governor announced the decision on Wednesday in Aba during a civic reception organised by Ndị Imo in Abia in honour of him and his wife, Priscilla Otti.
Otti explained that reinstating the affected workers was no longer a practical option because of the length of time that had elapsed since their disengagement.
“I have also listened to a plea about recalling those who were disengaged a long time ago, about 2011–2012. I thought I had given that directive when Anambra people received me.
“It was not just Anambra people; it was for everyone. The reality is that some of those people who were disengaged 15, 16, 17 years ago have become so old that they can no longer go back to their work.
“So what we said was that we will calculate their entitlements and pay them. Anambra people received the entitlement. Maybe you need to show up for verification and you will be paid. Let me also make it very clear, and all of you know that in Abia State there is no state of origin,” he said.
Otti stressed that the directive applies to all affected workers, irrespective of their state of origin, and urged those who are yet to complete the verification process to present themselves for documentation.
The governor said the payment forms part of his administration’s broader commitment to improving workers’ welfare and strengthening confidence in the state’s public service, adding that additional developmental initiatives would follow.
